System and method for monitoring a mobile computing product/arrangement

ABSTRACT

Described is a system and method for monitoring a mobile computing Arrangement. The arrangement may include a sensor and a processor. The sensor detects first data of an event including a directional orientation and a motion of the arrangement. The processor compares the first data to second data to determine if at least one predetermined procedure is to be executed. The second data may include a predetermined threshold range of changes in the directional orientation and the motion. If the predetermined procedure is to be executed, the processor selects the predetermined procedure which corresponds to the event as a function of the first data. Subsequently, the predetermined procedures is executed.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This Application claims the benefit of the U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/559,735 filed on Apr. 6, 2004, which is expresslyincorporated herein, by reference.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Business and individuals today rely on mobile computingproducts/arrangements (“MCPs”, e.g., bar code readers, PDAs, laptops,two-way pagers, mobile phones, digital cameras, mobile optical readers)in a multitude of situations ranging from basic everyday tasks to highlyspecialized procedures. As the virtues and benefits of utilizing MCPscontinue to be realized across increasingly diverse industries, thefeatures and capabilities of these products are expanding at acorrespondingly rapid pace. In many industries, MCPs have gone fromfashionable accessories to essential business components used by alllevels of personnel.

Accordingly, a great need has developed for MCPs to perform complicatedtasks quickly, efficiently and reliably. However, as conventional MCPsare fitted with more advanced gadgetry and software features, sacrificesare often made with respect to durability, power management anduser-friendliness. While many methods have been devised attempting toresolve these difficulties, MCPs currently continue to suffer fromproblems of inefficient power usage, complicated operational proceduresand on-screen menus, and the inability to tolerate the harsh industrialconditions to which the products may be subjected.

In the ongoing search for solutions to these problems, one aspect ofMCPs that has remained overlooked is a product's kinetic state. From anMCP's motions, valuable information may be extracted from which variouspredetermined procedures directed at accomplishing some useful end orpreventing some harmful result may be executed. Therefore, it isdesirable to be able to detect, interpret and utilize the movementsexperienced by MCPs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Described is a system and method for monitoring a mobile computingArrangement. The arrangement may include a sensor and a processor. Thesensor detects first data of an event including a directionalorientation and a motion of the arrangement. The processor compares thefirst data to second data to determine if at least one predeterminedprocedure is to be executed. The second data may include a predeterminedthreshold range of changes in the directional orientation and themotion. If the predetermined procedure is to be executed, the processorselects the predetermined procedure which corresponds to the event as afunction of the first data. Subsequently, the predetermined procedure isexecuted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile network according tothe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile computingproduct/Arrangement according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for monitoring a mobilecomputing product/Arrangement according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be further understood with reference to thefollowing description and the appended drawings, wherein like elementsare provided with the same reference numerals. The present inventionrelates to an MCP which includes a sensor that monitors the MCP'sdirectional orientation and motion. In particular, the sensor maymeasure the MCP's acceleration, velocity, or angular velocity in anydirection, orientation with respect to the user, the forces on the MCPupon impact, the direction of impact, or any other shocks or movementsto which the MCP may be subjected. These measurements may be contrastedwith prerecorded movement patterns or predefined levels of acceptableand unacceptable movement. As will be described below, predeterminedprocedures may then be executed that may be useful in a wide range ofapplications, including but not limited to abuse indication, powermanagement, gesture input, compensating for undesired motion, displayorientation, and security.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a mobile network 100 accordingto the present invention. In this embodiment, the mobile network 100 maybe operating within a Wireless Local Area Network (“WLAN”) 40 in aninfrastructure mode. The mobile network 100 may also include an accesspoint (“AP”) 10, a plurality of MCPs 20, 25, a communications network50, a server 60, and a client computer 70. The MCP 20 is height hi fromthe ground 30, and the MCP 25 is height h2 from the ground 30. Both MCPs20, 25 are situated on a three dimensional plane in which they maytranslate, rotate, pivot, accelerate or otherwise be in motion. Those ofskill in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention may be used with any mobile network and that themobile network 100 is only exemplary.

The WLAN 40 may use a version of the IEEE 802.11 or a similar protocol.One benefit of using a version of the IEEE 802.11 standard is thatexisting infrastructures using that standard may be adapted to supportthe system with minimal modifications. With only a simple softwareupgrade, most MCPs 20, 25 supporting that standard may operate accordingto the present invention. In alternative exemplary embodiments,different wireless protocols or technologies (e.g., Bluetooth, WWAN,WPAN, infrared) may also be utilized.

Referring back to the mobile network 100, the AP 10 may be, for example,a router, switch or bridge that forms the connection between the WLAN 40and the communications network 50. Coupled to the WLAN 40 are the MCPs20, 25, and coupled to the communications network 50 are the server 60and the client computer 70. The communications network 50 is utilized totransmit data between the various components of the mobile network 100.This communications network 50 can be any network usable to transmitdata, such as between microprocessors, and may be a local area network(“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”) or the Internet. The range of theMCPs 20, 25 are restricted only by the extent of the communicationsnetwork 50. When the communications network 50 includes the Internet,the range can be essentially unlimited, as long as the AP 10 connectedto the communications network 50 is within range of each of the MCPs 20,25. Therefore, the AP 10 does not have to physically be in the vicinityof the server 60 or the client computer 70, as it may be remotelylocated by extending network cabling or through the Internet.

The MCPs 20, 25 may be any type of computer or processor based mobiledevice (e.g., a bar code reader, a PDA, a laptop, a two-way pager, amobile phone, a digital camera, a mobile optical reader). Since the MCPs20, 25 are portable, they are capable of connecting to a wirelessnetwork, and are sufficiently small to be easily carried. The MCPs 20,25 may be designed for specific purposes, such as reading barcodes, ormay be handheld devices with different purposes, to which variousfunctionalities have been added through separate software modules. Inone exemplary embodiment, the MCPs 20, 25 are based on a multi-purposepersonal digital assistant (“PDA”) such as those running the MicrosoftPocket PC 2003 operating system, or similar.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of an MCP 20, 25 according to thepresent invention. In this embodiment, the MCP 20, 25 may include aprocessor 110, a sensor 120, a non-removable memory 130, a removablememory 140, and an antennae 150. The processor 110 is a centralprocessing unit (“CPU”) that executes instructions on measurements takenby the sensor 120 and performs procedures such as storing the result inmemory or transmitting the result to remote devices through the antennae150. The non-removable memory 130 is any type of memory componentintegrated into the electronic architecture of the MCP 20, 25 and may betemporary (e.g., random access memory, or RAM) or permanent (e.g., ahard-disk drive). The removable memory 140 may be any type of detachablememory component that may connect to the MCPs 20, 25 through anexpansion interface (e.g., a FLASH interface, a USB interface, afirewire interface, etc.).

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the sensor 120 is integrated intothe MCPs 20, 25. This sensor 120 may be a device coupled to anelectronic architecture of the MCPs 20, 25 that dispatches data to aseparate memory device, or it may be coupled to at least a portion ofanother device in the architecture. For instance, in the latterembodiment, the sensor 120 may be coupled to a memory arrangement inwhich event data (e.g., a first data of an event relating to the MCP 20,25's movements with values above a certain threshold) is stored. In analternative exemplary embodiment, the sensor 120 may be a separateexternal device that connects to the MCPs 20, 25 through an expansionslot (e.g., a sensor with a FLASH, USB, firewire or similar interface).

The sensor 120 may be any type of measurement device capable ofmonitoring directional orientation and motion, and may be based on, forexample, a G-shock sensor, a switch, an accelerometer, a strain gage, apiezo, MEMS technologies, or combinations of the like. The directionalorientation may include any angular movement value with respect to atleast one three-dimensional axis of the MCPs 20, 25. The motion mayinclude, for example, a velocity value, an acceleration value, or anangular velocity value. Although the sensor 120 may be of any size, thesensor 120 is preferably small enough so that any added weight and spaceoccupied on the MCPs 20, 25 are negligible. Because the MCPs 20, 25usually operate on batteries, the sensor 120 should also have a lowpower consumption. In addition, the sensor 120 should be durable enoughto withstand the abusive environments of which its purpose is tomonitor.

The sensor 120 detects changes in the directional orientation and motionof the MCP 20, 25 and generates the first data. The first data isprovided to the processor 110 which compares the first data topredetermined second data which includes threshold range values. Forexample, the second data may be a prerecorded rotation of the MCP 20, 25by ninety degrees, the detection of which may indicate of the occurrenceof an event. The second data may be a maximum height from which the MCP20, 25 is dropped. Subsequently, based on the first data, a particularpredetermined procedure is selected and executed.

The first data may be retained for each instance where the measurementsof the sensor 120 are above or below the second data which specifies anacceptable threshold level. The processor 110 may also append additionalinformation to the retained first data including sequential numbering ofthe events, time and date for each event, acceleration data, datacorresponding to a status of the MCPs 20, 25 at the date/time of theevent, environmental factors, a direction of the shock, etc.

Depending on the application of the present invention, variouspredetermined procedures may be performed based on the first data. Forexample, if desired, the first data may be stored in the non-removablememory 130 and/or the removable memory 140 prior to executing any otherprocedures. Alternatively, the first data may not need to be storedlocally at all, instead it is transmitted in real-time for storageand/or further processing by a central server or a remote device. Such atransmission may be accomplished via the communication arrangement ofthe mobile network 100 of FIG. 1. The WLAN 40 and communications network50 comprise the communication arrangement, and the server 60 and theclient computer 70 comprise the central server or the remote device.

The foregoing embodiments of the mobile network 100 and the MCPs 20, 25are not to be construed so as to limit the present invention in any way.As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, different types of MCPs20, 25 may be used to communicate over the same data network, as long asthey work under compatible protocols. Other configurations withdifferent numbers of MCPs, APs, or client and server computers may alsobe used to implement the system and method of the present invention.

In an alternative exemplary embodiment of the mobile network 100, theMCPs 20, 25 may connect to the communications network 50 directly viawires despite being portable. For example, rather than real-timereporting, the MCPs 20, 25 may only be required to connect periodicallyto the mobile network 100 for updates on their movements as monitored bytheir respective sensors 120. Furthermore, no wireless capabilities orcommunications network 50 may be needed entirely. In such a situation,the sensor 120 makes measurements to be processed internally for uselocally by the users or manufacturers. For example, the measurements maybe used to suggest replacing or repairing the MCP 20, 25 because it hasexceeded a threshold of abuse and is in danger of malfunctioning.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary method 300 for monitoring the MCPs 20, 25. Inthe step 310, certain distinct characteristics of events (e.g., thesecond data) are identified and programmed into the MCPs 20, 25. Thesecond data may include a specific threshold value and/or a thresholdrange of changes in the directional orientation and motion of the MCPs20, 25. The characteristics may include, for example, maximum or minimumthreshold values or prerecorded motions. The user (e.g., themanufacturer, a system administrator or any other authorized person) maydesignate or, if desired, make changes to these characteristics. Forinstance, the MCPs 20, 25 may be prepackaged by the manufacturer withstatic abuse maximum values that are inaccessible or not editable by theuser. Alternatively, the threshold may simply be dynamic default valuesadjustable to future specifications.

In the step 320, the MCP 20, 25 is continuously monitored by the sensor120 for changes in the directional orientation and/or motion/movementsthat may .constitute the occurrence of a predefined event. An event mayinclude, for example, the MCP 20, 25 being dropped, jerked, tugged,shaken a certain number of times within a certain time period, orremaining still for a specified duration. Whenever the MCP 20, 25experiences detectable motion or an extended lack thereof, the firstdata is generated. The sensor 120 may make no effort to differentiatebetween or prioritize directional orientation or motion values,returning all results to the processor 110 for processing.

In the step 330, the processor 110 compares the measured first data withthe predetermined second data. If the characteristics of the first datamatch those of the second data, the processor 110 determines that anevent has occurred and a corresponding predetermined procedure needs tobe selected. At the occurrence of an event, the processor 110 may alsoattach to the first data at least one of a time/date of each event, astatus of the computing arrangement, a direction of the acceleration,and environmental data. In an alternative exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention, the above-described attachment may occur as a part ofthe predetermined procedure.

For example, when the sensor 120 detects that the MCP 20, 25 came to anabrupt stop after being accelerated for a short period of time, theprocessor 110, after comparing that information to at least a portion ofthe preprogrammed second data, may conclude that the MCP 20, 25 droppedto the ground 30. From the magnitude and duration of acceleration, theprocessor 110 may also determine whether the drop was forcibly induced(e.g., by an abusive user) and the distance hi or h2 of itsdisplacement. Furthermore, from the direction of impact and other data,the processor 110 may also approximate the part of the MCP 20, 25 thatinitially made contact with the ground 30 and whether any criticalcomponents were directly impacted. Such information may be attached tothe first data and may be helpful in determining whether the fall posesa danger to the MCP 20, 25's continued operation.

Due to practical considerations (e.g., memory limitations and processingpower) and because not all event occurrences may be significant, thereporting and recording of all movements of the MCP 20, 25 no matter howminor, although possible, may in some instances be impractical.Movements within acceptable limits may be superfluous and have nobearing to applications of the present invention. Therefore, in the step340, the first data is measured against threshold values contained inthe second data. The first data is retained only when at least one eventand/or reading satisfies the threshold values or matches the prerecordedmotions of the second data; otherwise the first data is discarded andthe method 300 is returned to the step 320 for the monitoring of newevents.

If the first data falls within the threshold of the second data, themethod 300 continues to the step 350 where the processor 110 selects, asa function of the first data, at least one predetermined procedure forexecution. In particular, the processor 110 analyzes the measured firstdata and determines the corresponding procedure of the plurality ofpredetermined procedures.

In the step 360, the predetermined procedure is executed. The executionof the predetermined procedure may depend upon the specific applicationof the present invention. For example, the first data may be stored intothe non-removable memory 130 or the removable memory 140. A plurality ofstored first data records form an event history of the MCP 20, 25. Theevent history may be readily accessible to any user of the MCP 20, 25,or may be password protected and/or encrypted so that only authorizedpersonnel (e.g., the network administrator or the manufacturer) may gainaccess.

Other examples of predetermined procedures include encrypting the firstdata so that it may be accessible only by an authorized user,transmitting the first data to a remote computer, analyzing the eventhistory of the MCP 20, 25 for service recommendations, reporting thecause of any damages, issuing precautionary warnings of the MCP 20, 25'scondition, changing the MCP 20, 25's display, powering off, etc. Afterthe predetermined procedure has been successfully executed, the method300 may resume again at the step 320 to monitor for new eventoccurrences.

The examples discussed in the foregoing discussion are for illustrativepurposes only and are not representative of all possible applications ofthe present invention. Rather, the present invention may be appliedacross a diverse range of industries, practice areas, and purposes. Thedescription that follows further outlines the features and advantages ofseveral exemplary applications of the present invention. However, aswill be apparent to one skilled in the art, the MCPs 20, 25 may benefitfrom and make use of an added motion sensor component according to thepresent invention in many other ways.

As MCPs 20, 25 are increasingly being integrated into the dailyoperations of businesses today, a need has developed to ensure thatthese MCPs 20, 25 can withstand the rugged treatment to which they areoften subjected. Conventional design and construction techniques yieldMCPs 20, 25 that exhibit levels of performance that are only marginal interms of reliability and durability under the demands of industrialenvironments. Damaged or malfunctioning MCPs 20, 25 may have devastatingeffects on the numerous businesses currently relying on mobilesolutions. For example, MCPs 20, 25 that are completely inoperable mayresult in costly delays while replacement products are sought. Also,MCPs 20, 25 with latent malfunctions may cause undetectablecomputational errors that corrupt systems and induce further errors downthe line.

Typically, the user of the MCP 20, 25 has no reliable way ofanticipating malfunctions and only discovers a problem as it manifestsitself. By that time, damage has often already occurred. Therefore,there is a great need for IT and customer service personnel be able tomonitor and accurately determine when the MCP 20, 25 has surpassed anintolerable threshold of abuse. This may be accomplished by establishingmeasured levels of acceptable and unacceptable usage profiles accordingto the exemplary embodiments of the. present invention. In this way,user profiles may be established and predictions may be made of when theMCP 20, 25 should be replaced prior to it actually malfunctioning. Ininstances where the MCP 20, 25 is being abused, the customer mayintercede to minimize the abusive treatment, thereby reducing the amountof service to and/or replacement of the MCP 20, 25 required and loweringthe total cost of ownership.

Referring to the exemplary method 300 of FIG. 3, for example, a maximumlevel tolerable abuse may be defined in terms of the number of times theMCP 20, 25 is dropped to the ground 30. Thus, in the step 310, a minimumheight constituting a drop and maximum number of drops may be specifiedas a second data. The MCPs 20, 25 may be configured to only recordvalues exceeding the predefined magnitudes. Accordingly, if a thresholdfor drop altitude were set somewhere between h1 and h2, the MCP 20dropping to the ground 30 from the height hi would not appear in itsevent history, but the MCP 25 dropping to the ground 30 from the heighth2 would. In both cases, the sensor 120 generates a first data relatingto velocity and acceleration values, and are forwarded to the processor110. The processor 110, after comparing the first data to the seconddata, then determines that a drop has occurred and attaches certainother event data. After comparing the first data to the predefinedthreshold values, the first data is either retained or discarded.Finally, a predetermined procedure is selected based on the first dataand executed.

In other exemplary embodiments, the MCPs 20, 25 may similarly bedirected to only retain and execute procedures when the first dataindicates some form of an abuse. For example, the MCPs 20, 25 may beprogrammed to execute a procedure only after a predetermined number ofevents occurring within a predetermined time period has been detected.Furthermore, the MCPs 20, 25 may instead only retain and performoperations when the first data shows an impact to certain criticalcomponents or that are oriented in a certain predetermined directionand/or are of a certain predetermined force.

As previously mentioned, the predetermined procedure may varyde_(p)ending on the specific application of the present invention. Forexample, in abuse indication, the predetermined procedure may simply bea real-time on-screen display of the updated event history of the MCP20, 25. If the MCP 20, 25 is being exposed to usage profiles beyond itsintended use, it may also be desirable to alert the user through visiblewarning (e.g., on-screen precautionary displays, flashing LEDs), audiblesirens (e.g., using a speaker, headset, receiver) or mechanical alerts(e.g., vibrations, pager motors).

Furthermore, usage profiles detrimental to the MCP 20, 25 may be broughtto the attention of a remote party with an interest in its condition. ITand customer service personnel, for example, may monitor the MCP 20,25's event history in real-time, on-site or off-site, through thecommunication links of the mobile network 100. In instances wherereal-time monitoring is impossible or impractical, updates may insteadbe made in periodic or predetermined intervals. For example, the MCP 20,25 may have no wireless communication capabilities, may be beyond thewireless operating range of the AP 10, or it may be desirable toconserve the limited bandwidth of the mobile network 110. In suchsituations, the number and level of unacceptable usage instancesexperienced by the MCP 20, 25 may be archived for retrieval at a latertime. A periodic servicing and maintenance schedule may be established,during which remote parties may obtain updates. The event history mayalso be downloaded at the end of a shift when the MCP 20, 25 is returnedto a docking station or charging cradle.

With the MCP 20, 25's event history, remote parties (e.g., IT andcustomer service personnel) may perform operations beyond servicing theparticular MCP 20, 25. This information may be used by manufacturers forresearch and development for the benefit of later MCPs 20, 25. Byestablishing the usage patterns of MCPs 20, 25 operating under similarconditions, future specifications may be tailored to actual conditionsof use, adjusting levels of durability based on the expected conditionsto which the MCPs 20, 25 may be subjected. Acceptable standards ofmotion data may then be refined and monitored for excessive abuseaccording to a new set of criteria.

Still another advantage of the present invention to manufacturers is theability to archive and retrieve warranty information. Manufacturers'warranties typically only insure against defects arising from productionor out of the normal course of usage of the MCP 20, 25, neither of whichincludes the MCP 20, 25 being dropped in a way that may violate itsspecifications or being otherwise abused by the customer. However,without any actual knowledge of the MCP 20, 25's usage, manufacturerspresented by a customer with a malfunctioning MCP 20, 25 often has nomethod to accurately determine the cause of the malfunction. If usageinformation is available either within the MCP 20, 25's memory or intransmissions to the manufacturer, warranty claims may more easily beverified or discredited.

In addition to interacting with the user or remote parties, the MCPs 20,25 of the present invention may also autonomously monitor their owncondition and take actions accordingly. The probability of losingcritical data increases substantially when the MCPs 20, 25 are usedbeyond their intended usage profiles or environmental designspecifications. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention allowthe MCPs 20, 25 to take preventative measures to ensure against harmduring an abusive event. For example, while an MCP 20, 25 isexperiencing excessive motion beyond a predetermined usage thresholdvalue (e.g., as the MCP 20, 25 is dropping to the ground 30 from heighth1 or h2), the processor 110 in the step 360 may terminate programscontaining critical information to prevent data corruption. Access tothe non-removable memory 130 or the removable memory 140 by any othercomponents may also be temporarily disabled, avoiding any possible lossof data. If necessary, the MCP 20, 25 may power off or switch intostandby mode and not be allowed to resume operations until the abusiveevent has passed or subsided back within an acceptable range.

Although the exemplary applications of the present invention inforegoing description has primarily focused on abuse indication, thepresent invention may also be used in a variety of other settings. Asdescribed below, these settings include, for example, power management,gesture input, compensating for undesired motion, display orientation,and security.

The power management properties of MCPs have always been a primary focusof product design engineers. Due to their limited size and weight andtheir mobile nature, MCPs usually have limited power supplies (e.g.,rechargeable or disposable battery packs). Developing MCPs that operatefor long periods of time, without sacrificing mobility, is an ongoingdesign challenge. Designing a robust power management system thatoptimizes and conserves power is a critical element in addressing thischallenge.

Understanding the MCP 20, 25 directional orientation with respect to theuser is possible by incorporating the previously described sensor 120.As such, it is possible to enhance current power management systems byturning on and off various systems when appropriate. For example, manyMCPs 20, 25 have a display and backlight that use a large amount of theavailable power supply. Utilizing the orientation aspect of the sensormay enable the MCP 20, 25 to keep the display and backlight on only whenthe display is within the user's viewing angle and range. By employingthe exemplary system and method of the present invention, when the MCP20, 25 is rotated past the viewing angle or brought beyond the visibledistance for a predetermined time period, the display and backlight mayshut off to save power. When the MCP 20, 25 is rotated back withinuser's viewing angle or brought within the visible range, the displayand backlight may instantaneously turn back on.

Another way in which the present invention may optimize the powermanagement of the MCP 20, 25 may be by switching it into a powerconservative state when not in use. Conventional power managementsystems typically shut down the MCP 20, 25 or switch it into idle modeafter a preset amount of time transpires with no interaction from theuser. The preset time period is usually adjustable by the MCP 20, 25software. The present invention uses the lack of motion as an additionaltrigger to switch the MCP 20, 25 into the idle or shut down modes, thustaking advantage of tendency of the MCPs 20; 25 to be in motion when inuse, and conserving energy when at rest. The amount of motionless timeneeded to trigger the power saving state may also be adjustable by theMCP 20, 25 software.

Continuing with some exemplary applications of the present invention,the combined sensor and MCP 20, 25 of the present invention may alsosimplify the MCP 20, 25's operation through a gesture input. Theadvantages afforded by increasingly advanced computing products areoften offset by sacrifices to usability and user-friendliness. Elaboratemenus, onscreen buttons, procedures or the like frequently frustrateusers and impede rather than advance productivity. The ability to senseand analyze motion through the present invention enables the MCP 20, 25to recognize and react to various motions or user gestures. Thesemotions or gestures may be pre-established to trigger the MCP 20, 25 toperform various functions that would otherwise need to be actuatedmanually.

For example, if the MCP 20, 25 equipped with a display is in documentviewing mode and orientation, a quick flip of the user's wrist detectedby the sensor 120 may coincide with the software application flipping tothe next page of the document. In another example, when long lists ofapplication options are being displayed to the user, a wrist rollgesture could trigger the MCP 20, 25 to start scrolling down the list.In still another example, if the MCP 20, 25 is a device with datacapturing capabilities (e.g., an imager, scanner, camera), a motiondetected corresponding to a certain pre-recorded gesture may trigger theMCP 20, 25 to turn on the data capture functionality.

Still another advantage of the present invention is the ability tocompensate for an undesirable motion. Although not as detrimental to theMCPs 20, 25 as motion constituting abuse, minor motion values may stilladversely affect applications that require as little motion as possible.For example, MCPs 20, 25 with data capture capabilities utilizingvarious camera technologies produce blurred or out of focus pictureswhen in motion. Various methods have been developed attempting to offsetsuch undesirable effects, such as weights or stands that minimizes orcancels out extraneous motion.

The present invention may be utilized to address this problem withoutthe need for cumbersome physical attachments or mechanical devices.Undesirable motion may be recognized, processed, and de-sensitizedthrough various software applications employed by the MCP 20, 25 underthe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The MCP 20, 25 mayidentify a non-acceptable operating situation to the user due to motionthrough the display or other alert Mechanisms, and/or automatically havethe software compensate for the motion during the data capture event.

Furthermore, in MCPs 20, 25 equipped with displays, the orientationsensing capability of the present invention may also conveniently adjustthe display orientation with respect to the user. MCPs 20, 25 typicallyformat display data in landscape or portrait mode. Newer mobile softwareapplications enable the display data format to be manually switchedbetween the two. The present invention allows the orientation of the MCP20, 25 to be monitored relative to the user, enabling the MCP 20, 25 toautomatically switch the display data format between the landscape andportrait modes.

As a final exemplary application of the present invention, the combinedsensor and MCP 20, 25 of the present invention may be used for purposesof security. Because the MCPs 20, 25 are portable, they are easilymisplaced or stolen. By employing the exemplary system and method of thepresent invention, the MCPs 20, 25 may be able to incorporate securityfeatures that indicate their location to the user or prevent use byunauthorized personnel. For example, when the MCP 20, 25 is at rest fora preset period of time (e.g., during recharge, overnight storage), itmay enter a secure mode and be programmed to trigger an alarm whenmotion to the MCP 20, 25 is detected. This alarm may be local to the MCP20, 25, using audible, visual, or mechanical features. At the same timeor as an alternative, the alarm may be triggered in a remote deviceon-site or off-site using the previously described communicationsystems. If the MCP 20, 25 utilized tracking technologies (e.g., globalpositioning system), it may also convey its location. The securityfeatures may additionally lock terminal applications, preventing the MCP20, 25 from being used until an authorized user password is entered.

The present invention has been described with the reference to the aboveexemplary embodiments. One skilled in the art would understand that thepresent invention may also be successfully implemented if modified.Accordingly, various modifications and changes may be made to theembodiments without departing from the broadest spirit and scope of thepresent invention as set forth in the claims that follow. Thespecification and drawings, accordingly, should be regarded in anillustrative rather than restrictive sense.

1-44. (canceled)
 45. A mobile computing device, comprising: a displayhaving a portrait mode and a landscape mode, a view in the portrait modebeing rotated ninety degrees from a view in the landscape mode; a sensordetecting an orientation of the display and generating a sensor signalin response to a change in the orientation of the display; and aprocessor receiving the sensor signal from the sensor and changing amode of the display from one of the portrait mode and the landscape modeto the other one of the portrait mode and the landscape mode in responseto the sensor signal, the processor adjusting an aspect ratio of theview upon changing the mode of the display.
 46. The mobile computingdevice of claim 45, wherein the sensor detects at least one of a linearvelocity value, an angular velocity value, a linear acceleration value,and an angular acceleration value.
 47. The mobile computing device ofclaim 45, wherein the orientation includes at least one angular movementvalue of the display with respect to at least one axis of the display.48. The mobile computing device of claim 45 further comprising anon-volatile memory device coupled to the processor for storing thesensor signal.
 49. The mobile computing device of claim 45 furthercomprising a transceiver coupled to the processor, the transceivertransmitting the sensor signal to an external device.
 50. The mobilecomputing device of claim 45 further comprising a data capture devicecoupled to the processor for capturing data.
 51. The mobile computingdevice of claim 45 further comprising a global positioning system modulecoupled to the processor for tracking a location of the device.
 52. Themobile computing device of claim 45, further comprising a housing forsupporting the display, the sensor, and the processor.
 53. The mobilecomputing device of claim 45, wherein the sensor is spatially fixedrelative to the display.
 54. The mobile computing device of claim 45,wherein the sensor comprises at least one of an accelerometer, a straingauge, a piezo electric device, and a microelectromechanical systems(MEMS) device.
 55. The mobile computing device of claim 45, furthercomprising a control for preventing the display from changing from oneof the portrait mode and the landscape mode to the other one of theportrait mode and the landscape mode when the display is rotated byninety degrees.
 56. A method, comprising: detecting an orientation of adisplay having a portrait mode and a landscape mode, a view in theportrait mode being rotated ninety degrees from a view in the landscapemode; generating a sensor signal in response to a change in theorientation of the display; changing a mode of the display from one ofthe portrait mode and the landscape mode to the other one of theportrait mode and the landscape mode in response to the sensor signal;and adjusting an aspect ratio of the view upon changing the mode of thedisplay.
 57. The method of claim 56, wherein detecting the orientationcomprises detecting at least one of a linear velocity value, an angularvelocity value, a linear acceleration value, and an angular accelerationvalue.
 58. The method of claim 56, wherein the orientation includes atleast one angular movement value of the display with respect to at leastone axis of the display.
 59. The method of claim 56 further comprisingstoring the sensor signal.
 60. The method of claim 56 further comprisingtransmitting the sensor signal to an external device.
 61. The method ofclaim 56 further comprising a capturing data with a data capture device.62. The method of claim 56 further comprising tracking a location of thedevice.
 63. The method of claim 56, further comprising preventing thedisplay from changing from one of the portrait mode and the landscapemode to the other one of the portrait mode and the landscape mode whenthe display is rotated by ninety degrees.
 64. A mobile computing device,comprising: means for detecting an orientation of a display having aportrait mode and a landscape mode, a view in the portrait mode beingrotated ninety degrees from a view in the landscape mode; means forgenerating a sensor signal in response to a change in the orientation ofthe display; means for changing a mode of the display from one of theportrait mode and the landscape mode to the other one of the portraitmode and the landscape mode in response to the sensor signal; and meansfor adjusting an aspect ratio of the view upon changing the mode of thedisplay.
 65. The mobile computing device of claim 64, wherein the meansfor generating the sensor signal comprises at least one of anaccelerometer, a strain gauge, a piezo electric device, and amicroelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device.
 66. A mobile computingdevice, comprising: a display having a portrait mode and a landscapemode, a view in the portrait mode being rotated ninety degrees from aview in the landscape mode; a sensor detecting an orientation of thedisplay and generating a sensor signal in response to a change in theorientation of the display; and a processor receiving the sensor signalfrom the sensor, the processor changing a mode of the display from oneof the portrait mode and the landscape mode to the other one of theportrait mode and the landscape mode in response to the sensor signal.67. The mobile computing device of claim 66, wherein the sensor detectsat least one of a linear velocity value, an angular velocity value, alinear acceleration value, and an angular acceleration value.
 68. Themobile computing device of claim 66, wherein the orientation includes atleast one angular movement value of the display with respect to at leastone axis of the display.
 69. The mobile computing device of claim 66further comprising a non-volatile memory device coupled to the processorfor storing the sensor signal.
 70. The mobile computing device of claim66 further comprising a transceiver coupled to the processor, thetransceiver transmitting the sensor signal to an external device. 71.The mobile computing device of claim 66, wherein the sensor comprises atleast one of an accelerometer, a strain gauge, a piezo electric device,and a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device.
 72. The mobilecomputing device of claim 66, further comprising a control forpreventing the display from changing from one of the portrait mode andthe landscape mode to the other one of the portrait mode and thelandscape mode when the display is rotated by ninety degrees.